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Arnold School of Public Health

  • 2025 Awards

2025 Student Awards

The Department of Exercise Science has selected  students from among those nominated by faculty members, to receive the 2025 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards. This year’s winners were chosen for their academic achievements, community service and leadership roles.

Student Award About 
Hailey Karns Outstanding Exercise Science Student: Hailey Karns Originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Hailey Karns chose to attend the University of South Carolina after visiting the beautiful campus and feeling inspired by its welcoming community and abundant opportunities. Graduating in three years with a degree in Exercise Science, she plan to take a gap year working as a medical assistant before pursuing a Master's degree in Physician Assistant (PA) studies, with the goal of eventually practicing in the Southeast and giving back to the community. Her passion for women's health, sparked through research with Dr. Katie Hirsch and coursework with Dr. Xuewen Wang, drives her desire to promote exercise as a tool for health across the lifespan. At USC, she served as an Honors Peer Mentor, Vice President of the Women's Club Golf Team, and an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, where she strengthened her leadership, mentorship, and clinical skills. She also gained valuable clinical and research experience through hospital work and participation in the Sustain Lab, completing her Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) in Research. These experiences have solidified her commitment to a career combining patient care, mentorship, and ongoing involvement in research.
Thomas Beach Outstanding Student for the Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training: Thomas "TJ" Beach

Thomas Beach is a United States Marine Corps veteran, having served from 2012 to 2019. After his military service, he graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and recently completed his Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training here at USC. During his time at USC, TJ served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for USC Swim and Dive and later provided athletic training services to the USC Marching Band and Dance Team - including participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Joffrey Ballet. He also served as a dedicated preceptor for students from USC and Antioch University, earning the honor of Preceptor of the Month in December 2024. Additionally, TJ presented his research at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) conference. Next year, TJ will continue his academic journey by pursuing a PhD at The Ohio State University. Beyond his professional accomplishments, TJ and his wife recently celebrated the exciting milestone of becoming new parents. 

Taisei Chiba Outstanding Student for the Master of Science in Athletic Training: Taisei "TC" Chiba Tasei Chiba is an international student from Hiroshima, Japan. He won 1st Place at the 2024 MAATA Research Presentation, where he presented on "How Comorbidity with ADHD Impacts on Neurocognitive Performance in Adolescents After Sport-Related Concussions: A Scoping Review". He also won 1st Place for NATA Free Communication in June 2025, where he presented on "Paget-Schroetter Syndrome in a Collegiate Male Football Athlete: A Type 3 Case Study". In 2024, he received a scholarship from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Research and Education Foundation. These merit-based scholarships are awarded to only a few students across the country who exhibit excellence academically, clinically, and/or through service. He was President of the athletic training grad student club. In 2024, he was awarded the Outstanding Athletic Training Student Award for Excellence in Leadership, recognizing his impact on our program. He is pursuing certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has already completed the mental health first aid certification. TC is also an active member of the Japanese Athletic Training Organization. His service to this organization has included translating English research articles, editing translated content, and assisting with monthly journal clubs to support Japanese athletic trainers. He recently finished a 16-week clinical immersion with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (professional hockey team). After graduation, TC will begin a season-long athletic training position with the Miami Dolphins.
John Sloan Outstanding Student for the Master of Public Health in Physical Activity and Public Health: John Sloan

John Sloan began the MPH in PAPH program in August 2023 and immediately demonstrated academic and professional excellence. Jenn O'Neal distinctly remembers when he came in her office during his first month and said, "Thank you for this opportunity. This is exactly where I am meant to be." John has made significant contributions as a Research Assistant for the Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative during his two years in the MPH program. He has challenged himself with his applied practice experience at Ezekiel Ministries, an after-school program for underserved children and youth. He has conducted a needs assessment and collected context-specific information about physical activity opportunities. He jumps right in to play sports when the children invite him. John understands the public health problem of physical inactivity, health disparities, and inequities and the need to make physical activity accessible for everyone. John has tremendous potential for a successful career as a public health professional.

Hannah Parker Outstanding Student for the PhD in Exercise Science: Hannah Parker Hannah Parker will be graduating with her PhD in August following completion of her dissertation titled "Investigating Mechanisms and Day-Level Factors that Influence Children's 24-hour Movement Behaviors".  Hannah has been a very engaged and productive student while at USC, publishing 3 first-author publications (21 manuscripts in total with 2 in review) and giving 11+ research conference presentations.  She also successfully obtained funding as a USC Maternal and Child Health Graduate Scholar and a SPARC Grant to support her research.  Equally impressive is Hannah's commitment to service and mentorship while a student at USC.  She has served as Director of Graduate Student Outreach for the Maternal and Child Health Student Association, a member of an Exercise Science Department Faculty Search Committee, and as a member of the University Health Services Student Advisory Committee.  Hannah has also mentored several junior students and is frequently asked to be a liaison for prospective students.  After graduation, Hannah will be starting a postdoctoral fellowship at Colorado State University.       
Alejandra Medina-Reyes Exercise Science Outstanding DPT Student: Alejandra Medina-Reyes Alejandra Medina-Reyes received her BA in psychology with a minor in nutrition science from Emory University prior to continuing her education through pursuing a career in physical therapy.  Alejandra has started advocating for the profession as a student through her role in the Gamecock Challenge and as a student representative for the Vestibular Special Interest Group within the APTA Neurological Academy.  Additionally, she presented a poster of her research at the 2025 APTA CSM conference. During her time at USC, she has also held various positions within Campus Recreation. Alejandra wants to pursue a position working within the geriatric population and vestibular rehabilitation. 
Kylah Jackson Outstanding Student for the Master of Science in Exercise Science: Kylah Jackson Kylah Jackson has served as a research assistant for the past four years in Dr. Ciaran Fairman's lab (2 as an undergraduate student).  Kylah has quickly risen to lead research assistant, where she assisted in coordinating over 20 undergraduate research assistants to help collect data and deliver an 8-week exercise intervention each semester. Kylah has already published one manuscript and another two first author manuscripts in review. She also has twelve conference abstracts at regional/national conferences. Kylah presented a tutorial lecture at the Southeast ACSM Annual Conference in Greenville SC. She will present another tutorial lecture at the ACSM Annual conference in Atlanta, GA in May 2025. Kylah has been a teaching assistant for Anatomy and Physiology for 4 semesters and guest lectured for EXSC 410. She has led the lab's presence at two separate cancer-related 5k events each year, in addition to delivering patient-facing education sessions at one of the local cancer centers quarterly. Kylah has recently been admitted to the PhD program at the University of Michigan and has been awarded a prestigious "Rackam Merit" fellowship. 

 

 


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